Minnesota is bracing for a significant severe weather event today, Monday, April 28, 2025. The National Weather Service has issued a Level 4 out of 5 “Moderate Risk” for severe storms across central and southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area. This alert encompasses the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and strong, long-track tornadoes

Minnesota is facing a potentially life-threatening severe weather outbreak today, Monday, April 28, 2025. Authorities and meteorologists are urging residents across central and southern Minnesota to prepare for the possibility of strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), a Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) has been issued for large parts of the region a rare warning that signifies a high potential for destructive weather events.

Severe Weather Timeline: Two Critical Rounds

Meteorologists are closely monitoring two distinct waves of storms that will impact Minnesota throughout the day.

Morning Storms (4 AM – 10 AM)

• The first round is expected to bring scattered showers and thunderstorms.
• While these storms could produce small hail and gusty winds, they are not expected to be the most dangerous.
• However, heavy downpours could reduce visibility on roadways, making morning travel hazardous.
• These initial storms could also leave the atmosphere primed for more intense activity later.

Afternoon to Evening Severe Threat (2 PM – 9 PM)

• The second round is the primary concern.
• High temperatures, humidity, and unstable air combined with strong upper-level winds will set the stage for explosive storm development.
• Isolated supercell thunderstorms could form and these supercells have the highest risk for producing tornadoes.
• Some tornadoes could be EF2 or stronger, meaning winds could exceed 111 mph, capable of causing devastating damage.

Areas Under Greatest Threat

The “Moderate Risk” zone covers some of Minnesota’s most populated areas:

• Minneapolis – St. Paul (Twin Cities Metro)
• Mankato
• Rochester
• Albert Lea
• Western Wisconsin border towns

Outside of the “Moderate Risk” zone, a broader “Enhanced Risk” (Level 3) extends even further, meaning even those outside metro areas are not completely safe.

Primary Threats

Here’s what Minnesotans need to watch out for:

Tornadoes

• Tornadoes today could be long-lived, large, and intense.
• Conditions support discrete supercells, which are the most dangerous type of thunderstorm for tornado formation.

Large Hail

• Hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter (the size of hen eggs) are possible.
• Such hail can shatter windows, damage vehicles, and injure people caught outdoors.

Damaging Winds

• Straight-line wind gusts could exceed 70 mph.
• High winds can topple trees, bring down powerlines, and cause widespread power outages.

Areas at Greatest Risk

The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the following areas under a Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) :

• Twin Cities Metro Area
• Southeastern Minnesota
• Western Wisconsin
• Parts of Iowa​

Residents in these regions should remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.​

Safety Precautions and Preparedness

Stay Informed:

• Monitor local news and weather updates throughout the day.
• Ensure your mobile devices are set to receive emergency alerts.​

Prepare Your Home:

• Secure outdoor furniture and objects that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Charge electronic devices in case of power outages.​

Identify Safe Shelter:

• Know the safest location in your home or workplace to take shelter during a tornado warning (e.g., basement or interior room on the lowest floor).

Emergency Kit:

• Assemble an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit.​

Visual Insights

Radar Imagery:

• Forecast models show the progression of storm systems across Minnesota, indicating areas of potential severe weather.​

Damage from Previous Storms:

• Photographs from recent tornado events in the region highlight the destructive potential of such storms.

Live Weather Update

(Embedded YouTube video of meteorologists discussing today’s severe threat.)

• Explains tornado warning signs and how to react quickly if a warning is issued.
• Live radar updates showing storm movement across the state.

Video Briefings

For a detailed forecast and safety tips, watch the latest weather briefing:

How to Stay Safe: Action Plan

Today’s setup is dangerous and unusual. Here’s what every Minnesota resident should do immediately:

1. Stay Weather Aware

• Download trusted weather apps and keep a NOAA weather radio nearby.
• Make sure alerts are enabled on your smartphone.

2. Have a Shelter Plan

• Identify your safe space now usually a basement, storm shelter, or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure, plan to evacuate to a sturdier building.

3. Emergency Kit Checklist

Prepare a kit that includes:

• Bottled water
• Flashlights and batteries
• First-aid supplies
• Battery-powered phone chargers
• Important documents in waterproof containers
• Helmets (especially for children to protect against head injuries during tornadoes)

4. Prepare Your Home

• Tie down or bring inside outdoor furniture and trampolines.
• Park vehicles in garages if possible to protect them from hail.

Why Today’s Setup is Extra Dangerous

Today’s weather setup is particularly concerning for several reasons:

• Shear values (changes in wind speed/direction with height) are unusually strong a critical factor for tornado development.
• The atmosphere is unstable, meaning storms can grow rapidly and become extremely severe in a short period.
• A low-pressure system combined with warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico creates the perfect environment for explosive thunderstorm development.

Meteorologists compare today’s setup to past deadly outbreaks in the Upper Midwest, emphasizing the real risk of tornadoes after dark, which are more dangerous because they are harder to see.

What To Do If a Tornado Warning Is Issued

• Move immediately to your safe place.
• Protect your head and neck.
• Avoid windows and outside walls.
• Bring a radio to monitor updates.

If driving and you see a tornado:

• Do not try to outrun it.
• Seek shelter in a sturdy building.
• As a last resort, lie flat in a ditch while protecting your head.

Preparedness Saves Lives

Today’s severe weather threat is serious and potentially historic for Minnesota. With the possibility of strong, long-track tornadoes, destructive hail, and hurricane-force winds, it is critical to stay vigilant and act immediately when warnings are issued.

Stay indoors, monitor the weather, and be ready to take shelter at a moment’s notice.

Lives can be saved when everyone takes these warnings seriously. Let’s work together to stay safe, protect families, and weather this storm.